
Clever Koi
A hip, modern eatery offering a vibrant fusion of Asian comfort foods and craft cocktails.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Clever Koi

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hip, modern eatery offering a vibrant fusion of Asian comfort foods and craft cocktails.
"This place never disappoints, with amazing flavors and great drinks for a perfect night out."
Avoid peak hours
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times for food or service.
Share rich dishes
Consider sharing rich dishes like kimchi carbonara due to their intense flavors.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Asian Fusion
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(602) 222-3474
Address
4236 N Central Ave #100, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Innovative Asian Fusion Cuisine
Experience a vibrant blend of flavors from Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Korea in unique, modern dishes.

Creative Cocktails
Sip on a diverse cocktail menu, expertly crafted to perfectly complement the Asian-inspired dishes.

Must-Try Ramen
Indulge in contemporary ramen bowls featuring rich broths and unique toppings, a true highlight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Avoid peak hours
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times for food or service.
Share rich dishes
Consider sharing rich dishes like kimchi carbonara due to their intense flavors.
Explore the cocktails
Explore the thoughtfully curated cocktail menu that perfectly complements the food.
Outdoor seating recommendation
Opt for outdoor seating on a beautiful day to enhance your dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Avoid peak hours
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times for food or service.
Share rich dishes
Consider sharing rich dishes like kimchi carbonara due to their intense flavors.
Explore the cocktails
Explore the thoughtfully curated cocktail menu that perfectly complements the food.
Outdoor seating recommendation
Opt for outdoor seating on a beautiful day to enhance your dining experience.
Make reservations
Reservations are highly recommended, especially if you don't want to wait.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Clever Koi is praised for its trendy atmosphere and innovative Asian fusion cuisine, with many diners highlighting the creative cocktails and unique ramen dishes. However, some guests have noted inconsistent service, with occasional rushed experiences and a feeling of aloofness from some staff. While the food is generally well-received for its flavor combinations, a few reviewers have found certain dishes to be overly salty or lacking in seasoning.
"Went to Clever Koi for my birthday dinner and it was fantastic! Got the short rib dumplings, miso shoyu ramen, tonkotsu ramen, orange chicken, katsu sando, some cocktails, and the entire dessert menu! Great service and amazing flavors. The noodles were the perfect consistency and broth was deep in flavor without being overwhelming."
Kara Finch
"This is a good fusion spot. The bao appetizer was not the best. The chicken was delicious and cooked well, but the Korean pork and the pork belly were fried to a flavor limiting crisp. The XO Noodles and the Orange Chicken were delicious and a great marriage of spice and fresh ingredients."
Jay P
"The cutest place! 5 stars for atmosphere.
Food was really good...not excellent, but good. Some of the appetizers weren't served hot, more like room temp, and I found the pork belly and some of the other meats a little tough, perhaps overcooked. Flavor-wise and portion-wise though, I was pleased. I also will mention that whatever Riesling was on their wine menu (didn't get a pic) was delicious!
Service however...not good. Our waitress had no personality and was literally so unhelpful. She seemed like she might know some of the answers to our questions but she didn't really talk or engage with us-it was like pulling teeth. This is a fusion restaurant, so people are going to have questions about menu items and she didn't explain or even recommend anything. It still will not prevent me from going back but definitely a different waitress :)"
Meghan Bouck
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Clever Koi serves a unique fusion of Asian-inspired dishes, drawing influences from Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Korea, alongside craft cocktails.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially on busy nights, as the restaurant can get crowded and waiting times can be long.
Standout dishes include kimchi carbonara, calamari fries, seafood wontons, and various ramen bowls.
Yes, Clever Koi offers vegetarian and vegan options, such as the Cashew Vegan Ramen.
The atmosphere is described as hip, modern, trendy, and lively, making it a popular spot for dates and nights out.
The cocktail menu is highly praised for its creativity and quality, with many recommending them to pair with the food.
Happy Hour is daily from 11 am to 6 pm, offering special pricing on selected items and drinks.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best Ramen in Phoenix: Top Ramen Shops & Noodle Places to Try Now
And with two locations, your next ramen fix is never too far away at Clever Koi. The stylish restaurant serves up contemporary takes on Asian fare, including a compact list of craveable ramens all built on a base of house stock and carefully-crafted with a selection of locally-sourced ingredients. Dip your spoon into the spicy kimchi ramen or opt for the citrusy lemon pepper chicken ramen topped with beech mushroom, bean sprouts, confit tomatoes, corn, scallion, and a beautifully soft egg.
16 Best Restaurants in Phoenix According To Locals
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Clever Koi (@cleverkoi). Asian-inspired fare at this centrally located restaurant includes steaming bowls of ramen made in an open kitchen, viewable by all seats in the house. The vegetarian ramen is a treat for non-meat-eaters, with its smoked tomato broth.
Cocktails in Downtown Phoenix | Valley Bar, Rum Bar & Clever Koi
{ Welcome To The Party } Stiggin's Fancy Pineapple Rum / Vida Mezcal / Clément Sirop / Pineapple Gum / Lime #thecleverkoi #keepthecraftalive #badnewsbros #supportlocal. A photo posted by Clever Koi Phoenix (@cleverkoi) on Jun 10, 2016 at 3:23pm PDT. Hard as it is to tear ourselves away from the rum-induced island atmosphere, Simon and I head farther north, this time jumping on the Valley Metro Rail to Clever Koi, an Asian-influenced eatery with a strong cocktail program, courtesy of chefs/foodists Joshua James, Nick Campisano and Jared Porter, who have deep roots in the Greater Phoenix culinary scene.
7 Best Spots for Noodles in Arizona!
Clever Koi serves up progressive noodle dishes, steamed buns, house made dumplings and small plates alongside craft cocktails, sake, wine, and beer. With a menu that draws inspiration and flavors from Thailand, Korea, and China, among others—restaurant guests are almost guaranteed to find new and exciting dishes to try. In addition to their delicious dishes, the cocktail menu at Clever Koi is broken down to describe the ingredients and flavors in each drink, so deciding which cocktail to pair with your meal is easy as pie.
6 Places to Get Incredible Ramen in Phoenix
Whether it’s the Cashew Vegan Ramen, starring a lemongrass broth and grilled tofu, or the Lemon Pepper Chicken Ramen with szechuan peppercorn, daikon, and lemon jam on crispy chicken breast, there’s always a way to test the boundaries of ramen-eating at Clever Koi. This spot also features Asian cuisine of various other types, including pad thai, chow mein, or bao filled with crab, pork, or kimchi and cauliflower!. View this post on Instagram
5 Best Dumplings in Phoenix, AZ
Clever Koi is a handicraft cocktail bar and Asian-motivated kitchen with places in Central Phoenix and historic downtown Gilbert. When you’re inside, customers are heartily greeted by some of the Valley’s most energetic and knowledgeable front-of-house staff, that are focused and fully geared towards making your experience one of a kind, every time. The mantra of the service team is persistent hospitality at every turn.
Phoenix Restaurants | The 39 Best To Try in 2025
Featuring a wide range of Asian-inspired dishes in a cocktail bar setting, Clever Koi is a Phoenix restaurant that’s perfect for grabbing your favorite drink and enjoying some delicious food. From steamed buns to ramen to stir-fried noodles, Clever Koi is sure to supply whatever you’re in the mood for. Make sure to scan the cocktail list as well, and don’t be afraid to try something new!
The Best Restaurants in Phoenix
The Asian-inspired kitchen at Clever Koi turns out some of Phoenix’s best and most creative ramens, including a cashew vegan ramen, and a tasty line-up of dumplings filled with pork cheek, short ribs, and roasted corn. Steamed buns, wok dishes, and several varieties of fried rice are also on offer. Pair your entree with one of the bars celebrated cocktails for an unforgettable meal.
10 best ramen restaurants in Phoenix, Arizona
Vaughn Ave. #101, GilbertMany of the best ramen restaurants in town are ultra-casual spots perfect for grabbing a quick bite. But if you’re craving ramen on date night, Clever Koi is dressed to impress. This modern, trendy restaurant is fun and friendly with top-notch cocktails and a tasty Asian-fusion menu.
Best Ramen places in Phoenix [2024]
Address: 4236 N Central Ave #100, Phoenix, AZ 85012Phone:+1 (602) 222-3474Website:thecleverkoi.comDetails: $$, Asian restaurant. Clever Koi in Phoenix is a phenomenal restaurant that offers a fantastic dining experience. The atmosphere is fresh and inviting, creating a vibrant and enjoyable ambiance.
Phoenix's Best Asian Food [Updated 2025]
Walking into Clever Koi felt like stepping into a realm of fantastic Asian delights. The atmosphere was vibrant and lively, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a romantic date. As I perused the menu, my curiosity was piqued by the diverse selection of dishes they offered.
Best happy hour bars in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe,
Monday-Saturday.The deals: $4.50 draft beer; $7.50 all wines by the glass; $8 and $10 cocktails; $8 confit wings and tuna chips; $10.50 kimchi cheeseburger and banh mi.Details: Gilbert, 384 N. Gilbert Road | 480-306-4237 | Phoenix, 4236 N. Central Ave. | 602-222-3474 | thecleverkoi.com
Highest-rated Asian Restaurants in Phoenix, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (113 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Asian, Fusion- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 4236 N Central Ave Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ 85012-2077- Read more on Tripadvisor
Top 12 Popular Restaurants in Phoenix, Arizona
Nothing sounds better than late-night ramen or homemade dumplings for lunch. You can order dishes from various Asian countries at the Clever Koi. It serves famous dishes from Korea, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Japan, and Indo-China.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit